Why would you use on-line services? I’ve used on-line services, such as the Internet and CompuServe, for finding and purchasing airline tickets for family and friends; searching frivolously into areas such as the White House and Murder Mystery Games; and discovering lighthouses in Michigan. But I also use these on-line services for my career as a work-at-home freelance writer. I do my research on-line, faxing questions to various individuals across the United States. Oh the joys of modern convenience! Roads and highways and information, all linked. The possibilities are endless. By hopping on the Internet and going to "Yahoo!", a search tool, I have material from Health and Fitness for an aquatic fitness article I’m writing. Somehow, I’ve found myself in "Stretching"....then "Gopher", another search tool, takes me to the University of Toledo, where I find an Aqua Aerobics Risk Sheet for a water aerobics class called--what else--but Rocket Waves! Then I go to another page that provides FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions, about aerobics. I can even meet the pros on CUSI’s Cybercise Aerobics Page. A pro in Florida wants to be interviewed after reading my e-mail to her. I also find the AEA, Aquatic Exercise Association, and President Julie See has rendered her services.
One of the most exciting on-line opportunities is communicating with other users via fitness forums, e-mail and on-line chat sessions. I can read the "strings" on-line users left behind by "lurking." Someone may have already asked my question.
The easiest way to learn about on-line services is to know of someone who uses it successfully. In my case, it was my husband (he uses the Internet and CompuServe to download files for his computer networking business) who told me about Yahoo!
If you are fortunate to work for an employer who has an Internet site, such as Ford Motor Co. (WWW.ford.com) or AT&T (WWW.att.com), from any computer in your office you can access business networks, find other web sites, check the competition and discover libraries, customer links and showrooms. Employers who don’t have a site may still have access to the Internet or other on-line services, such as America On-line, Information America, Prodigy and CompuServe. Many colleges and universities offer on-line services free to students or employees. Even the local library, such as the one in Rochester Hills, provides Internet access.
Although our careers may afford us the luxury of using on-line services, our hobbies and interests may lead us there also. Often, a show, magazine or newspaper article will volunteer, "For more information about this subject, go to http://detnews.com. On the Internet, typing this at the prompt gets you the Detroit News. Yes, you can read the daily news on the Internet. These tempting little http:// morsels appeal to the curious who desire further knowledge. After watching Martha Stewart’s Home for the Holidays show, instead of purchasing the December/January issue of Martha Stewart Living, I approached my computer. Armed with http://, I conveniently printed out the instructions and services for the craft materials seen on the show.
Whether you wish to learn what other automotive owners think about your auto repair shop suggesting brake pad replacement for your vehicle, need new recipes or are researching investments, on-line services are there to assist. On-line services are useful to anyone needing the most current information. On-line services are the only resource I have (besides camera sales personnel) to research digital photography which is so new. If you have not already, you might discover the cutting edge by dialing into a valuable resource on-line.
(June)